38 of 38Next Gallery: Report Lotus cars may be built in China after Volvo owner Geely buys stake

&nbsp

2017 Infiniti QX30 first drive: Small, spry and very German

Infiniti’s latest is a Japanese-styled German crossover...and the combination works

August 10, 2016

Share

Facebook

Tweet

Pinterest

Email

The short story on the Infiniti QX30 is that it's a reskinned Mercedes-Benz GLA with some minor changes to make it Infiniti’s own. The longer story is that the QX30 is the product of an alliance between Infiniti parent company Nissan, Renault and Mercedes, which might sound like the automakers are working to become one massive mobility company. Don’t worry, that won’t happen, but they are working together to absorb the financial stress of rolling out new platforms.

Regardless, the QX30 and GLA share practically everything -- the drivetrain, the platform and even the key.

Originally, Infiniti planned on releasing two different 30 models: the Q30 and the QX30. Infiniti then realized that maybe having the same car billed as both a hatchback and a crossover might be overkill, and simply axed the Q30 line entirely -- essentially turning it into what is now known as the QX30 Sport. The QX30 Sport has slightly different front and rear fascias, but you'll have to park one next to a standard QX30 to appreciate the subtle distinctions.

A higher ride height by roughly 1.2 inches makes the AWD models feel less like standard hatchbacks and more like the micro-crossovers they're supposed to be. While a Mazda CX-5 will still tower over the little Infiniti at a stop light, the subtle lift will be welcomed in areas where snowfall or rough roads are abundant.

While it's on the smaller side of crossovers, the Infiniti QX30 should be able to haul anything you'd encounter during your day-to-day.

What's it like to drive?

A quick dive into the engine bay reveals the not-so-hidden secret about the QX30’s bones -- Mercedes-Benz badges and marks are all over engine accessories and belts. Upon further inspection, you’ll see Infiniti didn’t do a lot to whitewash the 'Benz out of the QX30's DNA, either -- the keyfob, gear selector and seat controls are straight out of Stuttgart.

Its 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 produces 208 hp at 5,500 rpm. The 268 lb-ft of torque comes on at 1,200 rpm but doesn’t fall off until 4,000 rpm, and it gives this hatch impressive acceleration. Sending power along from the Mercedes mill is, predictably, a 'Benz seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The turbocharged engine won’t reward you with many burps or pops, but you’ll hear a subtle “whoosh” from the turbocharger while downshifting. It’s not surprising, considering this is supposed to be a quiet-and-comfortable luxe crossover, but some more aggressive aural tuning would make the QX30 Sport more entertaining.

Infiniti also changed the Mercedes-Benz-badged electric rack-and-pinion steering system. Overall, the steering feels light but direct. Feedback isn’t its strongest point, but you probably won’t be throwing a QX30 around the Suzuka Circuit or the Nurburgring. Still, if you prefer a heavier or more informative steering feel, you might need to look elsewhere.

Powering the Infiniti QX30 is a 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 developed by Mercedes-Benz.

The QX30 Sport stops like a track star. The front cross-drilled rotors are standard and do an outstanding job slowing the car. The standard QX30s wear vented rotors and they work well, too. The brake pedal stroke is on the shorter side, which makes for quick response but is also more challenging to modulate.

Infiniti left most of its GLA massaging to the styling department. The QX30’s tightly creased steel looks sleeker than its German doppelganger. It's edgier than the 'Benz, but it costs the QX30 rear passenger headroom. Rear legroom is excellent, but sitting giants will likely have trouble finding a comfortable seat without slouching.

The interior layout also proves Infiniti put a lot of effort into finding ways to improve on the 'Benz. Mercedes-Benz catches flack for its iPad-epoxied-to-the-dash infotainment screen. If you’re one of the vocal majority, you’ll love the Infiniti infotainment screen set deep into the dash. The system isn’t the most intuitive, but it's fairly quick to react to input. Despite its slightly more cramped cabin, the QX30 is just as nicely finished as the GLA. The material choices are top notch, and it won’t look like you bought an entry-level luxe-mobile.

Even some interior pieces will remind keen-eyed enthusiasts of this Infiniti's German roots. This shifter looks like it was ripped right out of a Mercedes-Benz parts bin.

Do I want it?

With bones identical to the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the QX30's appeal comes down to more than just performance, reliability and comfort. Perhaps you simply like the styling more, or you're closer to an Infiniti dealer than a Mercedes store. With the QX30 starting nearly two grand cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the similarly priced BMW X1, price could also play big. It should be noted that the X1 might not look as spry as the GLA or QX30, but it bests them both by about 20 hp; still, the Infiniti is the looker of the bunch.